Hire only full service contractors that have all of the specialty trades "in house". That is, electricians, plumbers, masons, framers, roofers/siders, tilers, trimmers and painters. With that in mind, your project will move along as planned in a seamless manner.
Make sure your contractor has a large portfolio of completed projects. Don't trust on-line referral companies completely. An excellent builder can get a bad review from an unfair source.
Get current updated referrals. A good contractor will have several.